One Spectrum News 13 crew member killed another injured in shooting in Pine Hills, Suspect Keith Melvin Moses arrested

On Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff John Mina of Orange County stated that while two members of a Spectrum News 13 team were present at a homicide investigation scene, they were both shot.

Unfortunately, one of the individuals has since passed away.

During the same time, investigators were also dispatched to a location on Harrington Drive, where they discovered a mother and her 9-year-old daughter with gunshot wounds.

Regrettably, the young girl also passed away.

The mother and the other member of the Spectrum News 13 crew were both reported to be in critical condition and were taken to the Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Both shooting incidents were reported at around 4:05 p.m.

Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum News 13, issued the subsequent statement on Wednesday night regarding the shooting:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and the other lives senselessly taken today. Our thoughts are with our employee’s family, friends and co-workers during this very difficult time. We remain hopeful that our other colleague who was injured makes a full recovery.

This is a terrible tragedy for the Orlando community.”

According to investigators, the two employees of Spectrum News 13 were on-site to cover the Orange County Sheriff’s Office inquiry into a homicide that had occurred in Pine Hills earlier that day.

Law enforcement officials indicated that a suspect had been apprehended at the scene of the subsequent shooting.

Sheriff Mina confirmed that the individual in custody was 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses, who has a lengthy criminal history, including charges for gun possession, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, burglary, and grand theft.

He has been formally charged with the earlier morning murder and is expected to face further charges for the shootings of the four individuals in the afternoon.

At 11:17 a.m., police officers were investigating the discovery of a woman who had been fatally shot in the 6100 block of Hialeah Street.

Sheriff Mina stated that the suspect has not provided much information and it remains unclear whether or not he was aware that the individuals he shot were members of the news media.

The motive for the shooting is still being investigated and it is uncertain why they were specifically targeted. Sheriff Mina said that they will be looking into this matter.

According to Mina, Keith Melvin Moses was an acquaintance of the woman who was murdered earlier that day, but as far as they know, he had no connection to the reporters or the mother and 9-year-old involved in the afternoon shooting.

The names of the Spectrum News 13 crew members involved in the incident have not been released.

The news of the shooting in Pine Hills had reached the White House by Wednesday evening, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed her concern for those impacted.

Following news of the shooting, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd released the following statement to offer condolences to the family members and loved ones of those involved.

“We are stunned and heartbroken hearing the news out of Orange County that three people were fatally shot, and two others are fighting for their lives, at the hands of a violent criminal who was on a murderous rampage today. A 9-year-old child and a Spectrum 13 journalist lost their lives during these senseless and brutal acts, along with another victim who was killed this morning. Our prayers are with all of the families affected by this horrific event.

We would like the news media who report in Polk County to know that if you ever find yourselves in a situation or an area where you feel unsafe, to please call us and we will send deputies out to your location to protect you. We appreciate the jobs that you all do, and we will always be here to ensure you are safe while doing them.”